Hitachi emphasizes comfort and safety

With the ZW220-7, Hitachi presents the first model of the new ZW-7 series. The 18-ton wheel loader features an all-new cab, and the Japanese manufacturer has paid close attention to safety in its design. The Aerial Angle camera system provides the operator with a 270° view of the job site from above. An (optional) obstacle detection and warning system also lets the operator know immediately when something is right behind the machine.

Although the shovel definitely looks tougher than its predecessor, the new ZW220 is still instantly recognizable as a Hitachi. The brand likes to stick to a tried-and-true concept, which offers the advantage that parts such as wheels and tires or quick coupler are directly interchangeable. The main innovation on the ZW220 is the engine, which meets the Stage V emissions standard. The Cummins powerplant produces 157 kW (210 hp) and is equipped with a DPF and SCR (AdBlue) system. On the ZW-6 model, Hitachi was still able to omit a particulate filter.

As a second point of improvement, Huub Kamps of Hitachi Nederland mentions the cab, which is completely up-to-date. "Here you can immediately see that this is a European machine and the fact that the working group Europe - with a representative from each country - is closely involved in the development clearly bears fruit." The workplace gives a much more spacious feel due to a different layout and use of lighter materials. A button cluster has been installed to the right of the window pillar, and the joysticks now spring along with the comfortable seat.

REACT DIRECTLY

The controls themselves have also been modified and use electric control. This responds very directly and precisely, which is helpful during leveling with an automatic leveling board. For loading operations, the wheel loader now has a function to control the speed when approaching a tipper truck or material pile, for faster and more efficient loading. Hitachi leaves nothing to chance in taking the ZW220-7 to the highest level of comfort, proudly claiming that noise and vibration levels are among the lowest on the market.

A third differentiator from the ZW-6 version concerns security. This includes a 270° camera system, which provides a view of almost the entire area from above. A detection system detects obstacles at the rear of the loader and provides timely warnings of approaching mischief. The factory-installed weighing system falls under both safety and efficiency, as it prevents under- or overloading of tippers and trailers. It also works very accurately, saving a lot of time and money.

DOTTING THE 'I'

In addition, thanks to the new ECO gauge with multiple adjustable functions, the operator can easily optimize performance while maximizing fuel efficiency. In terms of reliability, the ZW-7 generation is Hitachi's finest achievement. The brand's quality is already undisputed, but the Japanese have upgraded several components to increase service life and minimize downtime.

"The ZW220-7 is a real production machine," Kamps knows. "Not for nothing is the 18-ton loader among the runners in the range with the ZW310. Next comes the ZW180, the first ZW-7 model of which has already been sold in the Netherlands. Hitachi is confident about the qualities of this new generation, which is ultimately reflected in the price per ton or cubic meter. The machines come with a Power Train warranty of 5 years or 9,000 hours. In addition, there is a choice of three maintenance contracts. To provide customers with optimum peace of mind, there is also the Global e-Service web application, so that the user has immediate access to all the necessary data."